Articulative extension pipe of vacuum cleaner

ABSTRACT

An articulative extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner has a first extension pipe having a joint, a second extension pipe having a joint receiving part in which a joint of the first extension pipe is inserted, a sealing cover enclosing the first and the second extension pipes, and a locking button disposed between the sealing cover and the first extension pipe, and having at least one coupling protrusion on the outer circumference. One of the sealing cover, and the first and the second extension pipes has at least one coupling recess in which the coupling protrusion of the locking button is selectively inserted so that the first extension pipe can rotate with respect to the second extension pipe. The sealing cover further includes a wheel, which rolls in contact with the surface being cleaned, and a cotton flannel is disposed on the outer circumference of the wheel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 2005-03689 filed Jan. 14, 2005 and Korean Patent Application No. 2005-12644, filed Feb. 16, 2005, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner. More particularly, the present invention relates to an articulative extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner with which a user can clean limited spaces such as recess under the furniture such as bed and couch.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a vacuum cleaner has a main body, a vacuum source housed in the main body to generate suction force, a dust chamber also housed in the main body to receive collected dusts, a suction brush for moving in contact with a surface being cleaned, and an extension passage connecting the main body with the suction brush. The type of extension passage may vary depending on the types of vacuum cleaner in use. For example, a flexible hose connecting the main body with an operation handle, and an extension pipe connecting the operation handle and the suction brush, are usually provided for a canister vacuum cleaner.

In order to clean small spaces under the couch or bed with the vacuum cleaner, a user first bends or lowers his body and puts the suction brush under the furniture and operates the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, user fatigue is caused.

In an attempt to resolve the above-mentioned problems, Korean Patent No. 10-0451728 has suggested an articulative extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner, which includes a lower extension pipe, an upper extension pipe, an articulation joint disposed between the upper and lower extension pipes and enabling the lower extension pipe to move within a predetermined range, and a locking means for selectively moving the articulative joint.

When locked in a stationery position, the lower extension pipe is held by a single locking protrusion. Therefore, the lower extension pipe is frequently released from the stationery position during use.

The articulative extension pipe is not easy to use, especially because the user has to tighten and then release the locking means to move the lower extension pipe. The lower extension pipe is also exposed to a shock, which is generated by the locking protrusion during articulative movement to an extended position.

When in operation under the furniture, the projected part of the articulative joint can hit the surface being cleaned, and when it happens, the projected part and the cleaning surface are both damaged due to friction. Furthermore, it is not easy for the user to move the suction brush due to frictional force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in order to solve the above drawbacks and other problems associated with the conventional arrangement. An aspect of the present invention is to provide an extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner, which is capable of articulatively moving with a simple structure, and maintaining tight coupling between extension pipes when the extension pipes are not moved.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner that has no friction and subsequent damage between articulation part of the extension pipe and a surface being cleaned especially during cleaning of small spaces under the furniture, and a smoothly moving suction brush.

The above aspects and/or other features of the present invention can substantially be achieved by providing an articulative extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner, including a first extension pipe having a joint, a second extension pipe having a joint receiving part in which a joint of the first extension pipe is inserted, a sealing cover enclosing the first and the second extension pipes, and a locking button disposed between the sealing cover and the first extension pipe, and having at least one coupling protrusion on the outer circumference. One of the sealing cover, and the first and the second extension pipes has at least one coupling recess in which the coupling protrusion of the locking button is selectively inserted so that the first extension pipe can rotate with respect to the second extension pipe.

An elastic member may be disposed between the locking button and the first extension pipe, to elastically bias the locking button to a direction away from the first extension pipe. The sealing cover may preferably have a button hole through which a part of the locking button can protrude.

The coupling recess may be a plurality of spaces defined among a plurality of protrusions of the sealing cover and the first extension pipe. The coupling recess includes a first coupling recess formed on the circumference of a button hole of the sealing cover, and a second and a third coupling recesses formed on a position corresponding to the first coupling recess on a joint of the first extension pipe. The third coupling recess may include a plurality of linear protrusions.

The sealing cover may further include a wheel, which rolls in contact with the surface being cleaned. A cotton flannel may preferably be disposed on the outer circumference of the wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above aspects and features of the present invention will be more apparent by describing certain embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an articulative extension pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the articulative extension pipe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a first sealing cover of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a view illustrating relation between first, second and third coupling recesses and coupling protrusions before the articulative bending of the first extension pipe;

FIG. 4B is a partial sectional view illustrating the main part of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a view illustrating relation between first, second and third coupling recesses and coupling protrusions after the articulative bending of the first extension pipe;

FIG. 5B is a partial sectional view illustrating the main part of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an articulative extension pipe according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner employing therein the articulative extension pipe of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. The matters defined in the description such as a detailed construction and elements are nothing but the ones provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention can be carried out without those defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an articulative extension pipe 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first extension pipe 110, a second extension pipe 120, a sealing cover 130, a locking button 140 and an elastic member 150.

The first extension pipe 110 has a cylindrical joint J1 for insertion into a joint receiving part J2 of the second extension pipe 120.

The cylindrical joint J1 has an elongated hole 117 in its front side for maintaining a fluid communication with the suction port 121 even when the first extension pipe 110 is in bent position.

The cylindrical joint J1 has a second coupling recess 112 in its circumference in a position corresponding to the first coupling recess 131 c of the first cover 131. The cylindrical joint J1 has a third coupling recess 114 in a bottom side in a position corresponding to the first coupling recess 131 c.

The second coupling recess 112 is defined by the cooperation of a plurality of protrusions 111. A pair of protrusions 111 defines one second coupling recess 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a total of eight (8) protrusions 111 are used to define a total of four (4) coupling recesses 112.

The third coupling recess 114 is defined by the cooperation of a plurality of linear or curvilinear protrusions 113. A pair of linear protrusions 113 define a third coupling recess 114. That is, a pair of protrusions 113 form a third coupling recess 114, and as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a total of four (4) linear protrusions 113 are used to define a total of four (4) coupling recesses 114. The cylindrical joint J1 has a first seating hole 115 at the center of the bottom, for the elastic member 150 to seat thereon.

The second extension pipe 120 has a joint receiving part J2 corresponding to the cylindrical joint J1, so that the cylindrical joint J1 of the first extension pipe 110 can be articulatively coupled therewith.

The joint receiving part J2 has, in its front side, a cutaway oval part 122 and a connection part 123. The presence of the cutaway oval part 122 limits the angle (θ) of articulative movement of the first extension pipe 110. Due to the connection part 123, the joint part J1 of the first extension pipe 110 is enabled to insert into the joint receiving part J2 in the direction indicated by the arrow A. A reference numeral 125 indicates a button for attaching or detaching another extension pipe to the second extension pipe 120.

The sealing cover 130 prevents loss of suction force between the joints J1 and J2 of the first and second extension pipes 110 and 120, and also prevents separation of the locking button 140. To this end, the sealing cover 130 includes first and second covers 131 and 132.

The first and second covers 131 and 132 are coupled by screws, and the first cover 131 has a first cut 131 d and the second cover 132 has a second cut 132 d. When first and second covers 131 and 132 are assembled, the first and second cuts 131 d and 132 d define, in an exemplary embodiment, an opening having a shape and size that corresponds to that of the oval shape defined in cutaway oval part 122. Accordingly, due to the presence of the first and second cuts 131 d and 132 d, the first extension pipe 110 is movable in the direction of arrow G or arrow H as shown in FIG. 5A even when the first and second covers 131 and 132 are connected with each other.

The first cover 131 has a button hole 131 a sized to correspond to the outer circumference of the locking button 140. Accordingly, the locking button 140 is exposed to the outside through the button hole 131 a.

The button hole 131 a has a first coupling recess 131 c formed in its circumference. The first coupling recess 131 c is formed by the cooperation of a plurality of protrusions 131 b. That is, a pair of protrusions 131 b form a first coupling recess 131 c, and as shown in this embodiment, a total of four (4) protrusions 131 b may be used to form a total of four (4) first coupling recesses.

Each of the protrusions 131 b is formed in a stepwise manner to form a friction part 131 bb (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the locking button 140 is pushed to the direction of arrow A, upper part 143 aa (see FIG. 2) of the coupling protrusion 141 contacts with the friction part 131 bb and slides.

Referring to FIG. 2, the locking button 140 includes a press part 141, a anti-separation part 142 and a coupling protrusion 143.

The press part 141 is a cylindrical protrusion for insertion into the button hole 131 a in the direction indicated by an arrow B. When pushed by the user, the press part 141 pushes the locking button 140. The press part 141 has, on its rear side, a second seating hole 141 a for the elastic member 150 to seat thereon, and there is a cross part 141 aa provided at the center of the second seating hole 141 a to which a part of the elastic member 150 is inserted to more firmly support the elastic member 150.

The anti-separation part 142 is an annular plate which encloses the press part 141 so that the press part 141 can prevent the locking button 140 from passing through the button hole 131 a in the direction of arrow B once the locking button 140 is inserted.

The coupling protrusion 143 includes first and second coupling protrusions 143 a and 143 b.

The first coupling protrusion 143 a is a quadrangle, which is formed on the circumference of the press part 141 and above the anti-separation part 142. Referring to FIGS. 4B and 5B, the first coupling protrusion 143 a remains inserted in the first coupling recess 131 c during release of the locking button 140 (FIG. 4B), and separates from the first coupling recess 131 c when the locking button 140 is pushed in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 5B).

The second coupling protrusion 143 b is connected with the first coupling protrusion 143 a. The second coupling protrusion 143 b also is a quadrangle, but is slimmer than the first coupling protrusion 143 a. Referring again to FIGS. 4B and 5B, the second coupling protrusion 143 b remains inserted in the second coupling recess 112 during the release of the locking button 140 (FIG. 4B), and is inserted in both the second and third coupling recesses 112 and 114 when the locking button 140 is pushed in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 5B).

When the locking button 140 is pushed enough to insert the second coupling protrusion 143 b in the third coupling recess 114, the first coupling protrusion 143 a can be separated from the first coupling recess 131 c, and therefore, the first extension pipe 110 is enabled to move.

The present embodiment depicts four coupling protrusions 143 arranged radially around the press part 141. However, one will appreciate that this is only for the exemplary purpose, and therefore, the number of coupling protrusions 143 may vary as necessary. For example, two coupling protrusions 143 can be provided in a symmetrical relation with each other.

Referring to FIG. 2, the elastic member 150 can be a coil spring seated between the first and the second seating holes 115 and 141 a. The elastic member 150 biases the locking button 140 to the arrowed direction B, the direction in which the locking button 140 is moved further away from the first extension pipe 110. Accordingly, when the force that was pushing the locking button 140 is removed, the locking button 140 can automatically be released.

Hereinbelow, the operation of the articulative extension pipe 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4A shows the relation between the first, second and third coupling recesses 131 c, 112, 114 and the coupling protrusion 141 before the articulative bending of the first extension pipe 110. In order to show the relation of these elements more clearly, illustration of the sealing cover 130 is omitted except for the area where the first coupling recess 131 c is formed. FIG. 4B particularly shows the main part of FIG. 4A in cross section.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, when in normal operation on the places such as wooden floor, the angle (θ) of articulative movement (FIG. 5A) is fixed at 0°. In this situation, the first coupling protrusion 143 a is inserted in the first coupling recess 131 c, and the second coupling protrusion 143 b is inserted in the second coupling recess 112. Accordingly, the first extension pipe 110 is restricted to move in the direction indicated by arrow G, because the first coupling protrusion 143 a is inserted in the first coupling recess 131 c of the first cover 131, which is fixed with respect to the first extension pipe 110.

FIG. 5A shows the relation between the first, second and third coupling recesses 131 c, 112, 114 and the coupling protrusion 141 after the articulative movement of the first extension pipe 110. In order to show the relation of these elements more clearly, illustration of the sealing cover 130 is omitted except for the area where the first coupling recess 131 c is formed. FIG. 5B particularly shows the main part of FIG. 5A in cross section.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the user may bend the first extension pipe 110 in the direction of arrow G so as to clean the spaces under the bed or the couch with ease.

To have the first extension pipe 110 move in the direction of arrow G, the user pushes the locking button 130 in the direction of arrow A. As the locking button 130 is pushed, from the state shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first coupling protrusion 143 a is separated from the first coupling recess 131 c, and the second coupling protrusion 143 b is inserted in both of the second and third coupling recesses 112 and 114 (FIGS. 5A and 5B).

Referring to FIG. 5B, when the first coupling protrusion 143 a is separated from the first coupling recess 131 c, the upper side 143 aa of the first coupling protrusion 143 a in the position as indicated by arrow E in FIG. 4A, contacts the friction part 131 bb and moves to the position as indicated by arrow F of FIG. 5A. Therefore, unlike in the situation as shown in FIG. 5A, the first extension pipe 110 is no more restricted by the first cover 131, and freely moves in the direction of arrow G.

The angle (θ) of articulative movement may preferably be 45° at the maximum. The angle (θ) of articulative movement may be adjusted by the cutaway part 122 (FIG. 2) of the joint receiving part J2 of the second extension pipe 120 and/or the first and second cuts 131 d and 132 d of first and second covers 131 and 132, when assembled.

With the completion of cleaning on the space under the furniture, the user un-bends the first extension pipe 110 to the angle (θ) of articulative movement of 0°. The user may directly un-bend the first extension pipe 110 in the direction of arrow H. Alternatively, the user may hold the first extension pipe 110 to a predetermined height so that the second extension pipe 120 can drop by its own weight, letting the first extension pipe 110 un-bend in the direction of arrow H.

As the first extension pipe 110 un-bends, the coupling protrusion 143 at the position of arrow F (FIG. 5A) moves to the position of arrow E of FIG. 4A.

At this time, the locking button 140 is exposed through the button hole 131 a (FIG. 2) due to recovery force of the elastic member 150 (FIG. 2), and at the same time, the first coupling protrusion 143 a is re-inserted in the first coupling recess 131 c. As a result, the first extension pipe 110 unfolds.

The articulative extension pipe 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In the following description, the elements that are similar to, or identical with those of the first embodiment will be referenced by the same reference numerals and the elements that are already described in the first embodiment will not be described.

Referring to FIG. 6, the sealing cover 130 further includes a wheel 160, which runs in contact with the surface 10 being cleaned. A cotton flannel 170 is disposed on the outer circumference of the wheel 160.

Referring to FIG. 7, the wheel 160 is rotatably disposed on the lower end of the sealing cover 130. The wheel 160 may preferably be formed of rubber or urethane so that it can roll smoothly, without giving any damage to the surface 10 being cleaned.

The wheel 160 rotates in the direction of arrow C when the user pushes the suction brush 20 in the direction of arrow X with the bent extension pipe 200 for the cleaning of the space under the furniture. The wheel 160 rotates in the direction of arrow D when the suction brush 20 is pulled to the direction of arrow Y. In the present embodiment, the cotton flannel 170 are planed on the outer circumference of the wheel 160, and therefore, the wheel 160 rotates in the direction of C or D due to the friction between the cotton flannel 170 and the surface 10 being cleaned.

By the operation of the wheel 160 as described above, the sealing cover 130 does not directly touch the surface 10 being cleaned when the bent extension pipe 200 is at cleaning operation with respect to the space under the furniture. In other words, the articulation part does not directly contact the surface 10 being cleaned. Accordingly, damages to the surface 10 being cleaned—especially the carpet—or the sealing cover 130 due to the friction therebetween. Additionally, the suction brush 20 is smoothly moved. Because it becomes easier to push or pull the suction brush 20, user convenience in operating the vacuum cleaner also increases.

The cotton flannel 170 includes a plurality of bristles, and is attached or press-fit to the outer circumference of the wheel 160. Due to the presence of the cotton flannel 170, damages to the surface 10 being cleaned, especially the carpet, can be effectively prevented. More specifically, because soft texture of the cotton flannel 170 protects the surface 10 being cleaned, impact can be reduced compared to when the wheel 160 directly contacts the surface 10 being cleaned.

A reference numeral 30 denotes a cleaner body, 40 denotes a flexible hose, and 50 denotes an operation part.

With the articulative extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, the following advantages are obtained.

First, the user can have the extension pipe bend by a simple manipulation of a locking button, and therefore, the user is freed from the physical burden of bending or lowering his body. Accordingly, the user convenience increases and user can clean even the limited spaces under the furniture such as bed or couch with ease.

Secondly, in normal operation, that is, in cleaning operation that does not require articulative movement of the extension pipe, the coupling protrusion of the locking button is inserted in both of the first and second coupling recesses. Therefore, the first and second extension pipes can be firmly fastened with each other, and the reliability increases.

Thirdly, the first and second extension pipes can be freely moved, or fixed in relative with each other with the simple cooperation between the coupling protrusion and first, second and third coupling recesses. Accordingly, the articulative extension pipe can have simple structure, and manufacturing cost decreases.

Fourthly, due to wheel which rolls in contact with the surface being cleaned, and the cotton flannel which is formed on the outer circumference of the wheel, damages to the articulation part and the surface being cleaned can be prevented during cleaning of limited area such as space under the furniture, and user can use the suction brush with ease.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Also, the description of the embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

1. An articulative extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a first extension pipe having a joint; a second extension pipe having a joint receiving part in which the joint of the first extension pipe is inserted; a sealing cover enclosing the first and the second extension pipes; and a locking button disposed between the sealing cover and the first extension pipe, and having at least one coupling protrusion on the outer circumference, wherein one of the sealing cover, and the first and the second extension pipes has at least one coupling recess in which the at least one coupling protrusion of the locking button is selectively inserted so that the first extension pipe can rotate with respect to the second extension pipe.
 2. The articulative extension pipe of claim 1, further comprising an elastic member disposed between the locking button and the first extension pipe, to elastically bias the locking button to a direction away from the first extension pipe.
 3. The articulative extension pipe of claim 2, wherein the sealing cover comprises a button hole through which a part of the locking button can protrude.
 4. The articulative extension pipe of claim 3, wherein the coupling recess comprises a plurality of spaces defined among a plurality of protrusions of the sealing cover and the first extension pipe.
 5. The articulative extension pipe of claim 4, wherein the coupling recess comprises: a first coupling recess formed on the circumference of a button hole of the sealing cover; and a second and a third coupling recesses formed on a position corresponding to the first coupling recess on a joint of the first extension pipe.
 6. The articulative extension pipe of claim 5, wherein the third coupling recess comprises a plurality of linear protrusions.
 7. The articulative extension pipe of claim 1, wherein the sealing cover further comprises a wheel which rolls in contact with the surface being cleaned.
 8. The articulative extension pipe of claim 7, wherein a cotton flannel is disposed on the outer circumference of the wheel.
 9. An articulative extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a first extension pipe having a joint part; a second extension pipe having a joint receiving part, said joint receiving part receiving said joint part so that said first and second pipe extensions are in fluid communication with one another and said first extension pipe can rotate with respect to said second extension pipe; a sealing cover enclosing said first and the second extension pipes; and a locking button disposed between said sealing cover and said first extension pipe for selectively allowing said first extension pipe to rotate with respect to said second extension pipe.
 10. The articulative extension pipe of claim 9, wherein said locking button has at least one coupling protrusion on an outer circumference and said sealing cover has at least one coupling recess in which said at least one coupling protrusion of the locking button is selectively inserted so that said first extension pipe is locked in position with respect to the second extension pipe.
 11. The articulative extension pipe of claim 10, further comprising a spring disposed between said locking button and said first extension pipe to bias said locking button to a direction away from said first extension pipe so that said spring biases said at least one coupling protrusion in said at least one coupling recess.
 12. The articulative extension pipe of claim 10, wherein said first extension pipe further comprises at least one coupling recess receiving said at least one coupling protrusion of the locking button.
 13. The articulative extension pipe of claim 9, further comprising a wheel that rolls in contact with a surface being cleaned, said wheel being disposed at said sealing cover. 